6 Tips for Breastfeeding Success

6 Tips For Breastfeeding Success

You’ve talked about breastfeeding your child since you first found out you were expecting. The time is drawing near and you’re concerned about actually starting to breastfeed. Consider these six tips on early breastfeeding success to help allay any fears you may have and get breastfeeding off to a great start.
photo credit: moppet65535

Quick Note:  Many women are intimidated by the thought of breastfeeding but there’s really no need. Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most natural way to feed your babies.

1. Before your child even arrives, learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Talk with a lactation consultant if there is one at the hospital where you’ll deliver. If not, find a La Leche League chapter near you. They’ll be glad to help you before and after the baby arrives to ensure you have the best start at breastfeeding and that it’s a positive experience for both of you.

2. Nurse as soon as possible after delivery. In fact – if you can, begin to nurse within an hour of delivery. Your infant will be wide awake from being prodded and checked over. Their sucking instinct is also very strong soon after making their entrance into the world. It’s also important that the baby gets the colostrum that is present prior to breast milk coming in, as it’s full of necessary antibodies to fight off disease.

3. Be picky about latch on. Be sure that the baby’s mouth is wide open so you can place the nipple as far back into the baby’s mouth as possible. This position is best for avoiding breast soreness and will enable the infant to get to the ducts that release the milk.

4. Listen to the baby. Nursing “on cue” or on demand will ensure your newborn is receiving enough milk to grow healthy and strong. This may mean that your infant is nursing every two hours, but you’ll soon be in a routine that will stimulate you to produce enough milk to meet your baby’s needs and give them the nutrients they need.

5. Avoid triple nipple syndrome. Nursing babies don’t need supplements of water or formula unless Mom has to be away from them during feeding time. And even if this is the case, Mom can express milk using a breast pump and give that to their infant instead of a supplement.

6. Be sure to get plenty of rest and to eat healthily. Nap when the baby naps to counteract the times you’ll be up during the night breastfeeding. Avoid excessive caffeine as it can cause agitation in infants and keep them from sleeping. Eat a well-balanced diet that allows for an extra 500 calories a day for milk production. Be sure to get plenty of high quality fats. Studies have shown that women who eat trans fats (processed fats, hydrogenated oils) have lower quality fats in their milk. Eat high quality butter, olive oil and coconut oil instead of margarine and cheap vegetable oils, and avoid processed foods.

Remember that although breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a newborn it doesn’t come naturally to every woman. If you get discouraged, don’t hesitate to contact other mothers that have breastfed or other sources such as La Leche League. You don’t have to get by alone if you’re breastfeeding. There are moms all around that will be glad to help you succeed – for your sake and that of your newborn.